Drink Of The Week: Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre: A Drink For Men

A bit of history with your buzz…

Channel Havana through your glass with the simple yet civilised Cuba Libre. Most accounts agree that the drink was first mixed in Cuba around the turn of the 20th century.

One story goes that during the Spanish-American War, a group of off-duty U.S. soldiers got together for some drinks in a bar in Old Havana. A captain came in and ordered rum and cola on ice with lime. He liked it so much that he got the interest of the soldiers, who ordered another round and toasted “Por Cuba Libre!” in celebration of Cuba’s newfound freedom.

The story breaks down in that the Spanish-American War ended in 1898, but it’s said that Coca-Cola didn’t arrive in Cuba until 1900 — but that can be debated over a round of Cuba Libres.

Hair-on-your-chest factor: 65/100

Technically, the Cuba Libre is a rum and Coke. But let’s not confuse this heady concoction with the plastic-cupped well drink you binged on in your uni days. This is the grown-up version. Use high-quality rum, a twist of fresh lime and a sturdy highball glass to make a proper Cuba Libre.

There are a few schools of thought on what kind of rum to use. It depends on whether you like the smooth flavor of light rum or the more pronounced taste of darker rum. Many drinkers prefer light rum since it mixes more easily. A dark, full-bodied rum is usually served on its own and has more of an acquired taste in a mixed drink.

Ingredients: 1 part rum 3 parts cola Squeeze of lime

Instruction: Pour the rum into an ice-filled highball glass. Add cola and a squeeze of lime. Use lime wedge for garnish.